I graduated with a MBA in May and still have no job. I have a pharmaceutical sciences degree and MBA, but during the time while I was in school for both degrees I had done several federal government internships. I have some experience which is helpful, but it is still hard to attain a job. When I was a junior during the spring semester when studying science the pharmaceutical companies had major layoffs. I knew I wasn't going to land a job in the sciences so I went to do my MBA and worked as a student intern.
I will tell you this that it's very important for students to take advantage of extracurricular activities or join student chapters, student internships, or do volunteering because it is about building your resume during college. It's not all about the GPA or what school you went to, but what can you bring to the organization.
I did a lot of volunteering in my community, joined couple student chapters, worked in federal government, and graduated with a high GPA, but it's still hard knowing there is a lot of competition for jobs. I will say this if you have an impressive resume you will get at least your resume looked at by a hiring manager.
I believe more students should build their resume while in school and because if you don't have work experience or something else to show then you will have a difficulty getting a job and paying off these student loans and other things.
I really encourage students to do student internships at organizations whether it is paid or not paid (volunteer) and make the sacrifice because you need to have some work experience. Don't believe what all these stats say because all of them are rubbish. Majority people have a hard time getting a job and it doesn't matter if your graduated in 09 or 10 or 11. It's very hard.
I know couple of federal agencies have cut the student paid internships and now have volunteer ones, but it's better for college students to try that then have nothing on the resume. So my advice to students in school whether in undergrad or grad school is to build your resume. It is also very wise to attend job fairs and virtual job fairs during your senior year or end of junior year. Do all the networking you can and expect a roller coaster ride after graduation.
Anonmymousof CO12:03AM October 20, 2011
Internships are getting more competitive including volunteering or unpaid internships. There are schools who have programs that require mandatory internships and without it a person can't graduate. It's getting more difficult due to the bad economy. For example, there was one organization that had about 40 spots in which over 6,000 people had applied. If you get an internship consider yourself lucky. One of things to remember that having work or internship experience will give you an advantage compared to someone who doesn't. I know students who regret never taking the internships and volunteering opportunities while in school. These students are struggling to find employment. People should also remember internships aren't cheap either if a student plans to do work in another city, town, or state. The cost of transportation, apartment, and more needs to be taken into consideration. For example, federal internships in Washington DC area are appealing, but if you are out of state or something then you need to take consideration of costs of living there. Volunteering in organizations are also beneficial which can give you invaluable skills to succeed at work. Although the job market is bad, but building your resume is something students should focus on while in college. Any job or volunteering experience is better than nothing.
Misha of WV8:10PM June 24, 2011
Great article reminding students (anyone, really!) that unpaid training is still training! In the section about building further skills in an internship--absolutely! Best part is the chance to build the number one sought-after employability skill (National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2011): Communication! I recently blogged about how to spin communication skills from courses taken in college, but the advice would also translate to internships, based on this author's important advice, as well: http://bit.ly/f59RRU. Ellen Bremen, M.A. @chattyprof
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Anonmymous of CO 12:03AM October 20, 2011
Misha of WV 8:10PM June 24, 2011
Ellen Bremen of WA 10:22AM April 30, 2011